Ai Weiwei takes us on a tour of his Beijing
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Royal Academy
“Beijing is not the old Beijing any more,” explains Ai Weiwei. “It’s a city that doesn’t really belong to its residents.”
But in a city not designed to consider ordinary people’s lives, dissident artist and human rights protestor Ai Weiwei – who spent four years under house arrest – reveals how he has found sanctuary in his home neighbourhood of Caochangdi.
In the first instalment of Guardian Cities/Tate special series The Artist and Their City, Ai explains how this forgotten suburb of the Chinese capital is home to his studio and where he has tried to foster spaces for creative freedom and artistic expression.
The film offers an insight into the space where Ai created many of the pieces that go on display at his forthcoming London show at The Royal Academy.
To find out more about Ai Weiwei, watch the incredible documentary Never Sorry or check out his show at the RA, from September 19.
You might like
“Like skating an amphitheatre”: 50 years of the South Bank skatepark, in photos
Skate 50 — A new exhibition celebrates half a century of British skateboarding’s spiritual centre. Noah Petersons traces the Undercroft’s history and enduring presence as one of the world’s most iconic spots.
Written by: Noah Petersons
Venice Biennale will not award artists from Israel & Russia due to war crime accusations
Art Not Genocide — Both countries will still be allowed to exhibit work at their respective pavilions, but be excluded from judging considerations, as they have leaders facing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
Written by: Noah Petersons
“I didn’t care if I got sacked”: Sleazenation’s Scott King in conversation with Radge’s Meg McWilliams
Radgenation — For our 20th Anniversary Issue, Huck’s editor Josh Jones sits down with the legendary art director and the founder of a new magazine from England’s northeast to talk about taking risks, crafting singular covers and disrupting the middle class dominance of the creative industries.
Written by: Josh Jones
In photos: Columbia Hike Society turned a laundrette into a gear hub
Dirtbags — It kicked off the initiative’s latest season, which will feature 30 guided treks across the UK in 2026, with cleaning and repair stations, and upgrades to well-worn tech.
Written by: Noah Petersons
Eating concrete with London Skate Mums
Parental steeze — Founded during the pandemic, the group has ballooned into a community, giving mothers of various ages and abilities space to pull tricks, fall and express themselves. Sydney Lobe meets them at the legendary Southbank Undercroft.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
“Madness can be overcome”: Robert Del Naja releases statement after Palestine Action arrest
“Small price to pay” — The Massive Attack frontman was one of more than 500 people detained on Saturday on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action, a group that has been banned under the Terrorism Act 2000 by the UK government.
Written by: Ella Glossop
